Forget the simple slice of cheese between two pieces of bread. From the mac and cheese, barbecued pork and caramelized onion-stuffed sandwich at The Grilled Cheese Truck in Los Angeles to the glazed-doughnut-flanked grilled cheese at Tom + Chee in Cincinnati, eateries across the country have taken this simple sandwich to new extremes.

Some over-the-top renditions include:

The Original Cheesus, The Grilled Cheese Grill (Portland, OR)—A behemoth creation of a 1/3-pound burger, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, and mustard stuffed between two grilled cheese sandwiches. The sandwich on top includes pickles and American cheese; the other includes grilled onions and Colby Jack. And in case you’re still hungry, the sandwich comes with a bag of chips on the side.

So Good, Shopsin’s (New York City, NY)—For those who feel plain white bread and cheese is much too tame, this reinvented grilled cheese features melted cheese, poached eggs, and ham sandwiched between two slices of French toast.

Short Rib Grilled Cheese, Saltbox (San Diego, CA)—Ham isn’t the only meat that pairs well with gooey, melted cheese. Saltbox meldscreamy manchego with short ribs and New Orleans-style sauce to create this hearty grilled cheese sandwich.